Joint fires observer

FA Journal, Sept-Oct, 2005 by Michael A. Longoria, D. Wayne Andrews, Steven P. Milliron

There are three types of terminal attack controls for close air support (CAS): Types 1, 2 and 3. Each type has associated risks and a set of control procedures specified.

The ground commander considers the situation and issues guidance to the joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), based on recommendations from his staff and the risks identified in the tactical risk assessment.

Within the constraints established during risk assessment, the intent is to offer the lowest level supported commander the latitude to determine which type of terminal attack control best accomplishes the mission. The three types of control are not aircraft- or ordnance-specific.

Type 1 CAS. JTACs use Type 1 control when the risk assessment requires them to visually acquire the attacking aircraft and the target under attack. The tactical risk assessment may determine that analysis of the attacking aircraft's nose position and geometry is the best method of ensuring first-pass success and mitigating fratricide in the situation.

Examples of situations making Type 1 controls the best choice are when there are language barriers when controlling Coalition aircraft; the JTAC lacks confidence in a particular platform for the situation or confidence that the pilot positively identifies the target; aircraft are operating in adverse weather; the JTAC knows the situation is demanding for the aircrew's capabilities; or troops are in contact, calling for rapid, danger-close air power. In many cases, Type 1 controls actually negate the technological capabilities of the aircraft and munitions.

Type 2 CAS. This type of control is used when the JTAC wants to control individual attacks but assesses that either the visual acquisition of the attacking aircraft or target at weapons release is not possible or when attacking aircraft are not in a position to acquire the mark or target before releasing or launching their weapons.

Examples of situations calling for Type 2 CAS controls are when the aircraft attack at night or during adverse weather, must employ tactics to counter threat aircraft or air defense weapons, or are operating at high-altitude and (or) employing standoff weapons.

Successful CAS attacks under these conditions depend on timely, accurate targeting data. When delivering global positioning system (GPS)/inertial navigation system (INS) or unguided weapons on GPS coordinates, attack aircraft confirm the target location with the JTAC or forward air controller-airborne (FACA). The JTAC takes into consideration the host aircraft's navigation/weapons system accuracy when employing unguided munitions using Type 2 control.

Time-of-flight for standoff weapons is also a consideration. The weapon's time-of-flight relative to the movement of enemy targets and friendly forces is critical when the standoff weapons cannot receive targeting updates during flight.

The JTAC and aircrew must conduct detailed planning and preparation to identify the situations and locations conducive to standoff weapons attacks and address flight profile and deconfliction considerations (aircraft/weaponry/terrain). Digital or data link systems capable of displaying aircraft track, sensor point of interest, etc. significantly enhance situational awareness, enabling the JTAC to authorize weapons release when he cannot visually acquire the attacking aircraft. (See the article "JCAS Data Link: A Prioritized Approach to Terminal Attack Control" by Perry H. Davis in the July-August edition.)